Tennessee Floods

By Skeeter; This will be the most difficult posting I have ever written as my heart aches today...As many of you may know, I was in Tennessee last week visiting family and friends. I had to cut my visit short due to a death in Atlanta. That is another sad story in itself. Quick review of that, a wonderful 23 year old young man which The Saint and I adored, lost his life to a couple of thugs. Our dear friends Mike and Suzanne's daughter, Samantha (Sam) was engaged to be married to Drew. They were in the process of getting their first house, etc when God took him from us. We consider them our German family and have for about 19 years. Sam introduces us to her friends as her Aunt and Uncle, we are that close. Our hearts ached for her so we needed to be there. So off I go in the middle of the rain storms on Sunday to be with them. The Saint was on his way from Augusta to meet me in Atlanta. I was traveling alone on this TN visit as he stayed home with our fur girls.

I left Clarksville, TN on Sunday morning after looking at the Internet and planning my route via the flooded interstates posted. I got to Briley Parkway (my exit) just as they were closing it down in all directions. On the phone to Mom and the Saint to decide what to do next. Mom begged me to turn around and come back to Clarksville but I declined. I continued on the interstate headed south towards Chattanooga until I could go no further. I was one exit from the TN Titans stadium when I spotted the traffic back-up then I made the quick decision to get off the interstate and go into downtown. All the time while the rain continues. I do not like driving in the rain but was determined I would not miss Andrews funeral on Monday. You know the saying, "Come Hell or High Waters" Well, that was me. I should go to work for the post office.... I noticed a lot of people in a gas station with maps out and on cell phones. Something told me to pull into this gas station so I did. I found not one but two more travelers trying to get to Atlanta! We all got together, pulled out maps, cell phones, etc. Our ring leader was in touch with either someone living in Nashville or someone sitting at the computer planning our route. We all got into our cars and followed each other until the flood waters stopped us a second time. All three of our cars ended up in a housing project (aka, the Ghettos) where I was a bit concerned but still had a sense of calm about me. We pulled into a driveway while our fearless leader once again pulled out the map and got on the phone. We made it back onto the interstate now headed towards Knoxville, TN which is East. We were able to get to the old highway towards the south side of Murfreesboro where we ran out of the rain and it was smooth sailing. 30 extra miles to drive but worth the effort as we made it around the flooded interstate. I was so relieved to say the least. I said many prayers and know my parents were also saying them for me. I strongly believe those prayers were answered. It was the day of the funeral when I found out the news my parents home was under water! They watched as the creek behind their house rose. Family, friends and neighbors jumped to action. Dunbar Cave road which is the only way to my parents home was under water at both ends. According to my mother, friends were called by my brother and his wife and showed up with Jon-boats. Family and friends got in those boats to get to the house before it was flooded. Neighbors came from nowhere and everyone was able to get everything out of the house before it flooded!

Their cats were staying with neighbors which are both Veterinarians so they were safe. Furniture is in a basement of a neighbor and my parents were put up in another neighbors 2 bedroom, basement apartment. The cats were safely tucked into the apartment once my mother saw the homeowner had a cat of her own and bravely asked if her cats could join them in the apartment. The kitties were welcomed into the home with mom and dad. The house will need a total renovation and with me being the one always looking for the bright side of bad situations, I told my mother that she can now get those wooden floors she wants! She had to giggle with me. Mom and dads spirits were busted on Monday morning but repaired a bit by kindness shown to them by many people to include total strangers. Now people, this is what life is all about!

My family is safe and that is the main thing but they will have a lot of hurdles to jump in the coming months. Oh and another kicker, when they bought the house, Flood insurance was not available. I hope FEMA will jump in to assist. Please pray for my family as they will need the strength to carry on with this mess....

On one hand, I was happy to have made it through Nashville, but on the other hand, had I not, then I could have been there for my mother and father. Through everything, I had held together fairly well until I found these pictures on the Internet of the house. That blue metal roof sure does mark the spot. It finally all hit me and I broke down with sadness. I could not control myself as I truly wish I could be with my family right now.

I am also going to be selfish and ask for prayers for the Saint to find employment closer to Tennessee and Virginia where our family's live. Luck and finger crossing just don't seem to be working for us.

I know there are more people in worse shape then my family. Time, Nails and Hammers, will heal all. Please keep my family and other Tennesseans affected by this mess in your prayers.....